The atmosphere in your home largely depends on the lighting. That is why it is very important to consider the lights in each room when you are decorating your home. A beautiful chandelier is obviously excellent, but lighting is more than the fittings alone.
Calming
A Heylen bedroom is more than just a room to sleep in. Besides sleeping, this space has acquired several other functions: it is the place par excellence to relax, watch TV or read a book. So, you should go for soft, calming light. Choose indirect lights against the wall as general lighting or ceiling-mounted spotlights with dimmer switches. A reading lamp or nightlight next to the bed is also indispensable.
Harmony
The living room is the core of your home. This space is used to eat, sometimes to work a little, but mainly also to relax in a pleasant atmosphere. Flexibility is the magic word for this room. You should be able to adjust the lights to the mood of the moment. It is also very important to harmonise the different forms of lighting. The best solution is a good mixture of direct and indirect lighting. Take a few spots or fittings as general lighting and complement it with floor lamps and other atmospheric lighting.
Utility comes first
Even though aesthetics are also important in the kitchen nowadays, utility still prevails over cosiness when it comes to lighting. The general lighting in the kitchen should be positioned in the centre above the free-standing cooker. For the worktops on the sides we recommend the use of fluorescent lights under the wall-mounted cupboards. These lamps should be placed as far away as possible from the wall, to make the light as strong as possible. Seeing better, means less cutting into fingers.
Source: Jet (21/10/09)